History of the Hawaiian Government Reorganization bill in the 110th Congress (January 2007 through December 2008).

On this page is the history of the Hawaiian Government Reorganization bill (formerly known as the Hawaiian Recognition bill; always known informally as the Akaka bill) during the 110th Congress (January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008).

The history includes a collection of all significant news reports, editorials, commentaries, letters to editor, cartoons, excerpts from the Congressional Record, etc.

This period of 2 years has been subdivided into several time periods so that the number of items in each period can remain of manageable size.

Following is a complete index of all items for the entire 2 years of the 110th Congress, in chronological order.

At the beginning and end of each time period in the index there is a link going to the webpage containing full text of all items for that period.

The history for the 109th Congress included pleasant surprises in the House of Representatives. The bill stayed bottled up in the committee which had jurisdiction (Resources) and never even came to a vote in that committee. However, the Judiciary Committee took notice that the bill was threatening to come to the floor in the Senate, and did not want to see a repeat of House stealth maneuvers from previous years. Therefore the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution held a hearing where opponents of the bill were actually allowed to testify along with supporters of the bill -- the first time any opponents have ever been allowed to testify in any hearing in Washington in either the House or the Senate. As a result of that hearing a group of 21 House members wrote a letter to Speaker Hastert demanding that the bill be killed. (even though it had never yet had a hearing in the Resources committee).

The history for the 109th Congress (2005-2006) was tumultuous in the Senate and in the media. Several Senators blocked the bill by placing holds on it. An attempt to bring the bill to the Senate floor in summer 2005 was blocked by God (Hurricane Katrina). In June 2006 there were more than 4 hours of debate on the Senate floor during a two day period leading up to a recorded vote on a cloture motion (a motion to overcome holds on the bill, cut off debate, and bring the bill to a vote). A cloture motion requires 60 votes. There were only 56 votes in favor, including several Republicans who strongly oppose the bill but had made an agreement in late 2004 to support cloture (although they would then be free to vote against the bill itself, and in fact had publicly announced their opposition). Following the failure of cloture in June 2006, the bill remained dormant through the end of the year. Dozens of nationally-known political commentators wrote articles strongly opposing the bill, and major newspapers published editorials and news reports (including a New York Times editorial in favor of the bill). Website coverage for the 109th Congress includes over 2,000 pages of news reports, commentaries, transcripts of the Senate floor debate from the Congressional Record, etc. An 80-page index lists all items in chronological order and provides links to webpages which provide full text of all items for each segment of time. See:
http://www.angelfire.com/hi2/hawaiiansovereignty/AkakaHist109thCong.html

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NOW BEGINS THE HISTORY OF THE AKAKA BILL IN THE 110TH CONGRESS, JANUARY 2007 THROUGH DECEMBER 2008

January 14, 2007: Honolulu Star-Bulletin reports Senator Akaka plans to introduce the Akaka bill very soon, and is rounding up co-sponsors. He says he plans to incorporate amendments that were proposed a few days before the failed cloture motion in June 2006, which were allegedly the product of negotiations with the Department of Justice [although DOJ denied there was any agreement]

January 18: (1) Peter Kirsanow (U.S. Commission on Civil Rights), National Review, "Disunited States; Multiculturalism run amok" (2) Washington Business Journal (Pacific Business news) spins the Akaka bill for a business audience, saying the new version has safeguards against gambling, would protect military interests, and would not cause jurisdictional chaos of conflicting laws. (3) Associated Press, short Los Angeles Times version with interesting spin: You'd better give us what we want or else there'll be trouble! (4) Associated Press full-length version published in "The Free New Mexican" -- full length version may have been published in a newspaper with that name to appeal to readers affiliated with MEChA (Moviemento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan) who view the Akaka bill as paving the way for the liberation of all American residents of Mexican ancestry and all American lands that formerly belonged to Mexico, on a theory that anyone with a drop of indigenous blood (Aztec) is entitled to self-determination. (5) Honolulu Star-Bulletin (author affiliated with AP). (6) Honolulu Advertiser includes video of Senator Akaka's 9-minute speech introducing the bill in the Senate. (7) Hawaii Tribune-Herald (Hilo) fair and balanced report. (8) Hawaii Trinune Herald letter to editor from Akaka resistance leader William Burgess.

January 19: (1) Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial "Akaka Bill's chances improve in Congress"; (2) National Review online identifies Akaka bill as its top story of the week, and calls Senator Akaka "Hawaii's John C. Calhoun" (referring to a Civil-War era secessionist Southern Senator)

February 13: Professor John Warren Kindt publishes an article delivered to Harvard business conference entitled "Gambling's Strategic Socio-Economic Threat To National Security." His article says: "Fueled by gambling and the Akaka Bill philosophy of Native Americans as "independent sovereigns," in 2006 for example, Navajo President Joe Shirley announced "a trade agreement between two sovereign nations," the Navajos and Fidel Castro's Cuba. Tribes are using billions of gambling dollars for legal test cases and strategies expanding "tribal sovereign immunity"—superseding federal/state laws and opening U.S. borders.""
http://www.hawaiireporter.com/story.aspx?a1956736-63a9-4133-ad3d-55a36a08c4eb

On February 15, Honolulu Advertiser "breaking news" reported that Native Hawaiian programs are getting $62.5 million in legislation being sent to President Bush. The "breaking news" story includes this phrase: "the President has eliminated Native Hawaiian education and health care projects from the administration's proposed budget for the next fiscal year." However, that detail was omitted in an AP news report published February 16 in both the Honolulu Advertiser and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.

February 16: Two articles in "Indian Country Today": (1) "Overcoming neocon campaign against Akaka Bill key for tribal rights" describes opposition to Akaka bill as actually being opposition to all Indian tribe race-based rights; (2) Members of the Republican Study Committee supported an unexpected amendment to a bill reauthorizing Native Hawaiian housing programs at a Financial Services Committee hearing in the House of Representatives Feb. 13. The rejected amendment would have said "''Nothing in this title shall be construed to confer a constitutionally special political and legal relationship, based on Native Hawaiian race or ancestry, between the United States and the Native Hawaiian people for purposes of establishing a government-to-government relationship."

February 20: Attorney Mililani Trask will offer a series of 4 lectures about pathways to Hawaiian sovereignty at University of Hawai'i. Topics include the Akaka bill, U.S. Indian law, and the United Nations draft declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples. Trask has worked for many years seeking Hawaiian sovereignty at the international level.

February 23: "Indian Country Today" article analyzes Republican opposition to Akaka bill, saying the bill's opponents are attacking race-based programs as a beginning of a campaign attacking the whole concept of tribal sovereignty. Article warns that if Akaka bill is defeated because it is race-based, then the next target will be the Alaska native groups, and then the mainland Indian tribes.

February 24: New webpage: "Road Rage or Racial Hate Crime? (Thinking carefully about an actual incident of racial violence in February 2007, and how such violence can be used as a political tool to bolster demands for Hawaiian sovereignty)" includes discussion of academic survey regarding whether violence is likely to be used as a tool to get sovereignty; and review of threats of violence made by some ethnic Hawaiian leaders; and review of Senator Akaka's threat of violence.
http://www.angelfire.com/planet/bigfiles40/RoadRageVsRacialHateCrime.html

February 27: Article in Hawaii Reporter analyzes an advertisement by OHA in Honolulu Advertiser whose purpose was to persuade everyone that "Hawaiian" properly refers to a racial group rather than to citizens of Hawai'i. "This is what the Akaka bill and OHA are asking for. They ask you to be ignorant of the multi-ethnic history of the Kingdom of Hawaii. They ask you to take an internationally recognized nation, which established equal rights over 100 years before our own civil rights movement, and to undo their progressive political acts."

March1: New book published by Ken Conklin "Hawaiian Apartheid: Racial Separatism and Ethnic Nationalism in the Aloha State." The 302 page book clearly shows how the Akaka bill fits into the "big picture" of Hawaii's racially exclusionary programs and would empower the ethnic nationalist secessionist movement. Cover, detailed table of contents, and entire Chapter 1 are at
http://www.angelfire.com/planet/bigfiles40/BookPromo.html

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From March 2 through March 7 a STEALTH MANEUVER was attempted and defeated. On March 2 the Congressional Record for the House included information buried in the "fine print" that H.R. 505 (the Akaka bill) had been placed on the agenda for a meeting of the House Resources Committee on March 7 at which several bills were to be "marked up" (reviewed and possibly amended, prior to being reported to the floor for action). However, the agenda for that committee is routinely placed on the Committee's website where it is easily visible to the public; and that agenda never mentioned H.R.505 among the list of numerous bills to be considered on March 7. The posted agenda is copied below, with no H.R.505 on it. No newspaper and no Hawaii politician reported that the Akaka bill was on the agenda. Then on March 7 Congressman Neil Abercrombie (D, HI) withdrew the bill from the (unpublished) agenda, claiming he was unable to attend the meeting. The attempted stealth was reported in an article in "Indian Country Today" on March 9, indicating that a hostile amendment was anticipated and perhaps that was why Abercrombie removed it from the agenda.

March 8: House Resources Committee agenda for March 7 markup meeting lists all bills discussed and includes note saying they were all reported favorably; but no mention was made of Akaka bill.

March 9: (1) "Indian Country Today" article explains removal of Akaka bill from House Resources Committee markup for March 7; (2) Article in "Indian Country Today" by Chief Maui Loa of the Hou Hawaiians claims his "tribe" already has federal recognition, and opposes Akaka bill as dilution of blood quantum to favor Asians over Hawaiians of the Blood.

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March 11: Book review of Kenneth Conklin, "Hawaiian Apartheid -- Racial Separatism and Ethnic Nationalism in the Aloha State" published in newspaper "West Hawaii Today" (Kona) portrays Akaka bill as intended to protect an evil empire of racial separatist programs, and divisive.

March 16: Kamehameha Schools files a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court arguing that the Court should deny a petition for certiorari, partly on the grounds that the Akaka bill is under consideration in Congress. The argument is that the mere fact that the bill is under consideration makes the Kamehameha admissions policy a "political question." In other words, merely introducing the Akaka bill should have the same effect as though it has passed.

March 22: Honolulu Advertiser and Star-Bulletin report that on March 21 a bill to provide racially exclusionary benefits for ethnic Hawaiian homeowners was defeated on the floor of the House of Representatives when it failed to get the 2/3 vote required under the rule in effect when it was brought to the floor. The bill failed after Republican Leader John Boehner sent an e-mail urging a NO vote. Boehner said ethnic Hawaiians are nothing like an Indian tribe, and race-based government benefits are unconstitutional.

March 23: Indian Country Today article provides more detail about the defeat of the Hawaiian housing bill.

March 24: Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial laments defeat of the housing bill and once again restates the newspaper's support for the Akaka bill as a way to protect racially exclusionary programs in Hawai'i.

March 21 (as reported on March 22 and March 23): Native Hawaiian housing bill (part of Native American housing bill reauthorization) temporarily killed when it fails to get 2/3 vote needed for non-controversial legislation. Republican Leader John Boehner torpedoed it by sending e-mail to colleagues saying ethnic Hawaiians are nothing like an Indian tribe, and race-based government handouts are unconstitutional -- the same issues involved in the Akaka bill. American Samoa Delegate Eni Faleomavaega tells the same falsehood told by Inouye and Dorgan during the Senate Akaka bill debate in June 2006 -- U.S. troops overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893 (and therefore the U.S. owes ethnic Hawaiians housing assistance in 2007!).

March 26: Honolulu Advertiser Editorial says Department of Hawaiian Homelands should use other sources of revenue because federal assistance is becoming less reliable as budgets are cut.

March 27 and 28 (as reported on March 29): Native Hawaiian housing bill gets several segments of debate and two recorded votes over a two day period, in which important issues related to the Akaka bill were discussed. A rule was adopted for this bill which prohibited consideration of an amendment which would have made explicitly clear that this bill is not a back door vehicle for granting federal recognition of ethnic Hawaiian sovereignty. During the debate Rep. Abercrombie told an outright falsehood about the 9th Circuit Court decision in the Arakaki#2 lawsuit, saying that decision was a substantive one upholding the constitutionality of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act when in fact the decision merely ruled that plaintiffs lack "standing" as state taxpayers in light of a supreme Court decision in DaimlerChrysler.

INDEX OF NEWS REPORTS AND COMMENTARIES FROM APRIL 1, 2007 THROUGH MAY 31, 2007 (ABOUT 200 PAGES). U.S. House Committee on Resources passed Akaka bill unamended May 2. U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee held hearing on Akaka bill May 3, and passed it unamended on May 10. Full text of the following items is available at
http://www.angelfire.com/planet/bigfiles40/AkakaHist110April2007.html

April 12, 2007: Richard Rowland, President of Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, writes an article consisting entirely of important questions about the Akaka bill which so far have no answers.

April 13: (1) Article in "Indian Country Today" notes that House passage of Native Hawaiian Housing bill was held up by Republicans objecting to race-based benefits, and comments that the Akaka bill will meet far stronger resistance. (2) Senator Akaka responds to questions in a live one-hour internet bulletin-board discussion hosted by the Honolulu Advertiser on its website (full text provided of comments related to Akaka bill).

On April 17 the Western States' Sheriffs' Association publicized a resolution they adopted at their annual convention on March 8. The resolution is relevant to the Akaka bill because it describes the difficulties faced by state and local law enforcement officials dealing with conflicting jurisdictions where there are Indian tribes, and the need for proper training of tribal police and tribal courts. The resolution can be downloaded from
http://www.angelfire.com/planet/bigfiles40/WesternStatesSheriffs2007.pdf

April 20: "Indian Country Today" publishes a commentary by a Hawaiian independence activist opposing the Akaka bill, entitled "Native Hawaiians maintain their inherent sovereignty." The essay concludes "It seems a more critical time than ever for Hawaiians and all U.S. citizens to critically question why there should not be a Hawaiian embassy in Washington, D.C. Instead of negotiating with the Department of the Interior, Hawaiians have the un-extinguished right to negotiate instead with the U.S. Department of State''

April 23: Senate website contains announcement of Akaka bill hearing in the Indian Affairs Committee for May 3.

April 29: Honolulu Advertiser editorial supports Akaka bill; includes e-mail address for submitting testimony to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs for the May 3 hearing

April 30: (1) Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial supports Akaka bill, encourages a hopeful attitude but says patience may be becessary. Editorial says even if the bill passes, President Bush is likely to veto it and there is probably not a 2/3 supermajority to override a veto; so it will be necessary to wait for a new President. (2) Honolulu Advertiser reports that the House Committee on Resources will hold a hearing on the Akaka bill on Wednesday May 2.

May 2: (1) Honolulu Star-Bulletin lengthy news report describes great worry because several anti Akaka bill people are under consideration to be nominees to the Hawaii Advisory Committee of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, including H. William Burgess [see also May 7]; (2) HONOLULU ADVERTISER REPORTS AKAKA BILL HAS PASSED HOUSE COMMITTEE ON RESOURCES, UNAMENDED, ON VOICE VOTE.; (3) KITV4 news adds more detail about House committee passage.

May 4: (1) Hawaii Tribune-Herald (Hilo; Stephens Media) lengthy and detailed news report on Senate committee hearing, headlined "White House slams Akaka bill" includes this IMPORTANT sentence: "Akaka said after Thursday's hearing he hoped the bill will pass out of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee next week."; (2) Honolulu Star-Bulletin news report on Senate committee hearing, focusing on harsh words from Department of Justice official and responses; (3) Star-Bulletin editorial: "Prepare for a battle to pass Akaka Bill"; (4) Honolulu Advertiser report similar to Star-Bulletin but different details, and includes this sentence: "Akaka said he hoped the committee would vote on the bill next week."; (5) Honolulu Advertiser editorial cartoon shows Akaka bill running up the steps to the Supreme Court; (6) Indian Country Today "Akaka Bill gathers strength in committee hearings" discusses whether ethnic Hawaiians are assimilating to America or whether it's the reverse, and Burgess' use of terms "apartheid" and "evil empire."; (7) Democracy Now (Amy Goodman) radio/TV interviews Senator Akaka regarding Iraq War, Lt. Ehren Watada, Akaka bill, and the Real ID Act. Akaka says he admires Watada refusal to be deployed to Iraq, and he says Burgess is wrong that the bill will lead to secession. Audio/Video can be downloaded.

May 8: (1) Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will hold a business meeting on Thursday May 10 at which it will discuss 4 bills, including the Akaka bill and the Native Hawaiian housing bill. It is possible there might be a vote on 1 or more bills. Honolulu Advertiser reports the upcoming committee hearing with misleading headline "Senate may vote on Native Hawaiian bills Thursday" implying the full Senate might vote on them on May 10, which of course is not possible. Committee agenda for May 10 is provided from committee webpage. (2) Kyle Kajihiro, highly paid to be an anti-military activist, publishes lengthy article in Haleakala Times (Maui) describing in detail U.S. military presence in Hawai'i and calling it a monster that is destroying the land and culture of ethnic Hawaiians.

May 11: (1) Very important article in Indian Country Today reports what went on behind the scenes in the House Natural Resources Committee when it passed the Akaka bill on May 2: A Republican opponent of the bill had prepared two amendments to require compliance with the 14th Amendment and to require a referendum on the ballot in Hawaii; but he failed to formally offer those amendments when the committee returned after a recess; (2) Another article in Indian Country Today provides a biased view of history and says "Hearings in the House of Representatives and the Senate May 2 and 3 built up a legislative record of rebuttal to Department of Justice claims that the Native Hawaiian governing entity will divide U.S. sovereignty by encouraging so-called ''secessionist'' sentiment in the islands, foster race-based governance and invite constitutional scrutiny from the courts."

May 11: A collection of 10 news reports and commentaries about Akaka bill: (1) West Hawaii Today (Kona) news report about Senate Indian Affairs Committee passing Akaka bill; (2) The Garden Island News (Kaua'i), news report; (3) Honolulu Advertiser, news report; (4) Honolulu Star-Bulletin, news report; (5) Letter to editor: "On Hawaiian resurgence": "If there is an ugly theme to this land that the haoles like to call paradise, it was brought here by the blue-eyed, white skinned malihini."; (6) LTE: "Hawaiians don’t need Akaka Bill, already have a government": "We all yearn for the U.S. to peacefully end the illegal U.S. occupation of Hawaii and to follow Hawaiian Kingdom laws instead of trying to push the Akaka Bill down our throats."; (7)
LTE: "Akaka Bill interpretation: U.S. will control all land": "Wake up, everyone. The poison is on the horizon. The Akaka Bill is still out there. Should the Akaka Bill pass we, the kanaka maoli, would own no land at all. The U.S. government would hold all lands in trust."; (8) LTE: "Akaka Bill would further divide Hawaii on race basis": "The whole purpose of the Akaka Bill is to authorize the breakup of Hawaii. A new government gets created excluding 80 percent of our people by race. Land, money, and jurisdictional authority get divided up. Why do this?" (9) Joseph Gedan published his testimony to the Committee: "Racial Harmony in Hawaii Will Be Marred by Akaka Bill"; (10) Honolulu Advertiser columnist says "It is good to see Republican Gov. Lingle on board with this issue that is so important to Democrats. But if it can't make it through the Bush people, don't blame us. Blame Lingle. She is the one self-"tasked" with winning the hearts and minds of the GOP policymakers in the White House."

May 14: Two lengthy articles in "Indian Country Today" by staff columnist Jerry Reynolds propagandize for the Akaka bill. (1) "Akaka Bill opposition loses ground on constitutionality, race and separatism issues"; (2) "10 Ways of Looking at the Akaka Bill". (3) Letter in The Garden Island News (Kaua'i) "New book is wake-up call" puts Akaka bill into the context of the big picture: "Some recent letters show strong zealotry for Hawaiian sovereignty. I’d like to make readers aware of a new book, “Hawaiian Apartheid: Racial Separatism and Ethnic Nationalism in the Aloha State.” This book is a wake-up call to all America, and especially Hawai‘i, regarding the growing menace of Hawaiian racial separatism and ethnic nationalism."

May 15: (1) 1300-word Commentary by Ken Conklin in INSIGHT MAGAZINE [affiliated with The Washington Times] describes the big picture of racial separatism and ethnic nationalism in Hawai'i, and how the Akaka bill fits into that picture.; (2) Richard Borreca, Honolulu Star-Bulletin columnist, writes "news report" pointing out that the Akaka bill is very important to protect Kamehameha Schools' racially exclusionary admissions policy for the future, even though the settlement of the lawsuit in Doe v. Kamehameha temporarily preserves that policy until the next lawsuit.; (3) After a settlement was announced regarding the Kamehameha School desegregation lawsuit, Congressmember Mazie Hirono issued a press release expressing gladness that Kamehameha admissions policy can continue, and citing the threat to Hawaiian racial entitlements as a reason why the Akaka bill must pass; (4) Commentary by Andrew Walden in Hawaii Reporter points out that the Kamehameha lawsuit is being used as a "dog and pony show" for the Akaka bill. Whether or not the Kamehameha lawsuit was successful and whether or not it still remained actively underway, Akaka bill supporters use such lawsuits to strike fear in the hearts of ethnic Hawaiians to goad them into supporting the Akaka bill and use such lawsuits to explain to Capitol Hill politicians why the Akaka bill must pass.; (5) Hawaii Reporter commentary "Tribalism vs. Republican Governments" by Paul R. Jones of Arizona.

May 18: Two articles in "Indian Country Today: (1) Patricia Zell, a primary pusher of Akaka bill, discusses strategy for including Akaka bill as part of other legislation in order to avoid offering veto-bait to President Bush; (2) Controversy in Alaska regarding whether Alaska Native villages and corporations are really tribes and should be able to have casinos - in relation to Akaka bill and Native Hawaiian housing bill.

May 22 (Insight Magazine) and May 23 (The Hudson Institute): Herbert London, President of The Hudson Institute, writes that the Akaka bill would balkanize America.

May 25: H. William Burgess, who testified in person againsty the Akaka bill before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, published his answers to 7 followup questions sent to him by the Committee a few days after the hearing was held.

INDEX OF NEWS REPORTS AND COMMENTARIES FROM JUNE 1, 2007 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2007. Newly reconstituted Hawaii Advisory Committee to U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has several members openly opposed to Akaka bill, provoking tremendous synchronized outcry from all newspapers and TV stations parroting OHA press release saying the committee is "stacked" against the bill; Numerous pro and con letters and commentaries. Civil rights committee holds public hearings on Akaka bill -- some testimony made available.

June 1: Oswald Stender, current OHA trustee and former Kamehameha Schools trustee, reviews history of native Hawaiian victimhood, says the aloha spirit belongs to ethnic Hawaiians, newcomers want not only to share but to take, and "we will never surrender to them or their sense of 'justice'."

June 5: Letter says "Attempts to disguise the Akaka Bill by renaming it "Kau Inoa" and spending thousands of dollars advertising for Hawaiians to come together is misleading and unfortunate for those foolish enough to sell their rights for a free T-Shirt."

June 6: Major article by Andrew Walden in Hawaii Reporter describes how the Akaka bill, in giving sovereignty to an ethnic Hawaiian governing entity, would provide a safe haven for corruption on a massive scale. Walden describes at length some of the Bishop Estate (Kamehameha Schools) corruption, as described in the "Broken Trust" book, noting that Bishop Estate actively explored moving its corporate headquarters to an Indian tribe reservation on the mainland as a way of avoiding scrutiny by the IRS and by Hawaii Attorney General Bronster; and shortly thereafter the Akaka bill was introduced in July 2000.

June 10: KITV, a Honolulu television station, breathlessly reports the "news" that the Akaka bill "could" come to the floor in Congress "sometime before September."

June 12: OHA Administrator Clyde Namu'o letter in Honolulu Advertiser says the Kau Inoa program (racial registry) is good for ethnic Hawaiians and for all Hawaii.

June 17: (1) Letter in Maui News (by Native Hawaiian) says the Kau Inoa program (racial registry) and Akaka bill are ridiculous and the OHA TV infomercial Tuesday night arrogantly refused to answer important questions; (2) Open letter to Congress by Jim Growney, Native Hawaiian, points out that the apology resolution blames the U.S. for the overthrow of the monarchy, but the Akaka bill to be passed by Congress lays the burden for restitution on the people of Hawai'i.

June 21: Tom MacDonald short article in Hawaii Reporter criticizes on-going OHA ads that claim there is overwhelming public support for the Akaka bill.

June 29: Blog article "Rolling Back Indigenous Rights" says conservative resistance to Akaka bill is part of a larger conservative agenda of opposing affirmative action and expanding white privilege.

July 3: Gaby Gouveia replies to Haunani Apoliona letter of June 23.

July 4: (1) Announcement of high-price banquet by Alu Like to honor Senator Akaka and OHA Chair Haunani Apoliona (Alu Like is one of more than 160 federally-funded racially exclusionary institutions whose survival might depend on the Akaka bill) (2) Gaby Gouveia anti-American, anti-Caucasian letter in Maui News "celebrating" the 4th of July; (3) Eni Faleomavaega, American Samoa delegate to Congress who strongly supports Akaka bill, is refused permission by the government of Indonesia to attend a conference in Papua New Guinea because he favors the secession of that province.

July 9: "Accuracy in Media" reports on some of the secessionist aspects of the Akaka bill.

July 14: 14 NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE U.S. COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS TO SERVE ON ITS HAWAII STATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. The new members include some strong opponents of the Akaka bill and of race-based programs for ethnic Hawaiians -- the first time in history that the committee has included such opponents. News reports in the Honolulu Advertiser and Honolulu Star-Bulletin discuss the implications for the Akaka bill. A new webpage traces the history of the Hawaii committee and an ongoing compilation of news reports and commentaries.

July 16: Retired judge Paul de Silva disagrees with Congressmember Mazie Hirono's dislike for the new Hawaii civil rights committee, in a commentary published in Hawaii Reporter and later in the Honoolulu Advertiser.

July 17: Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial "New civil rights panel might not reflect local sentiment" says "Whatever stance the new advisory committee takes on the sovereignty issue, it deserves to be regarded as the divided opinion of 17 individuals, just as last year's 5-2 vote by the commission in opposition to the Akaka Bill failed to reflect the views of Hawaii residents."

July 19: Associated Press circulates a biased "news report" about the Hawaii civil rights panel, published in many of its affiliated newspapers throughout the U.S.

July 20: The Garden Island News (Kaua'i) letter to editor from Ray Smith, a Kaua'i school classmate of Professor Rubellite Kawena Johnson, who was appointed to the Hawaii civil rights committee, describing her background.

July 23: (1) Honolulu Advertiser editorial joins the chorus of leftist media with a (delayed!) editorial complaining that the new Hawaii Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is stacked against the Akaka bill because 5 of its 17 members have filed lawsuits or spoken out against the Akaka bill and race-based programs.; (2) Response to the July 17 Star-Bulletin editorial posted on Grassroot Institute of Hawaii blog by new civil rights committee member Tom Macdonald entitled "Yes I am concerned about secession, but more concerned about racial discrimination."

July 24 Tom Macdonald, newly appointed member of civil rights committee, says majority of Hawaii's people do not support Akaka bill.

July 25: 3 letters to editor in Honolulu Advertiser from "Dickie" Nelson,
West Hawai'i field representative for U.S. Rep. Mazie K. Hirono; Clyde NAmu'o
Administrator, Office of Hawaiian Affairs; and Ken Conklin

July 26: Letter in Maui News by Ken Conklin repudiates Maui News editorial which had claimed the new membership of civil rights committee stacks the deck against Akaka bill and affirmative action.

July 27: Newsmax reports "In a move that critics call a direct threat to the U.S. Constitution, federal legislation is moving forward in Congress to create a second, separate government in Hawaii solely controlled by ethnic and indigenous Hawaiians."

July 29: (1) Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial about Akaka bill opinion polls, saying a Ward Research poll of a few hundred people paid for by OHA was good, but a poll done by an out-of-state company paid for by Grassroot Institute which called every published telephone number in Hawaii was bad; (2) Star-Bulletin publishes a commentary and several letters opposing Akaka bill and citing the Grassroot poll, but publishes all these opposition items in a different section of the newspaper; (3) Honolulu Advertiser two letters pointing out that there are different kinds of reasons why people oppose the Akaka bill, and in any case there should be a referendum on it.

July 30: (1) IMPORTANT HEADLINE NEWS REPORT in Honolulu Advertiser says "Akaka bill may remain stalled until year's end" and provides quotes and commentary from politicians and analysits; (2) News report about Hawaiian secessionists celebrating a historical event called "Sovereignty Restoration Day" by lowering the American flag and raising the Hawaiian flag in its place [links to two webpages providing background on the history of the holiday and the current secessionist and racist implications of celebrating it]

July 31: (1) Honolulu Advertiser editorial says in view of the fact that the Akaka bill has languished in Congress for 8 years and might get vetoes even if passed, it's time to consider various proposals for Plan B (set up a private corporation that is racially exclusionary and transfer all race-based programs and assets into it); (2) Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial cartoon shows Akaka (bill) asleep on a bench in a corridor where janitors are mopping up.

August 1: OHA trustee Boyd Mossman letter in The Maui News ranting against Hawaii's annexation in 1898, against the new members of the civil rights committee, against equal treatment for all races, and for the Akaka bill.

August 2: (1) Letter to editor says there should not be any all-Hawaii vote on Akaka bill, because only ethnic Hawaiians should be able to vote on it; (2) Maui News editorial says "It might be best for the passage of the Akaka Bill – necessary to prevent the legal extinction of Native Hawaiians – to wait until there is a better chance of getting the necessary votes. A more sympathetic administration and Congress could be elected next year. Having the measure voted down or vetoed would do more harm than waiting."

August 4: (1) Letter says all Hawaii citizens should be able to decide about Akaka bill, since all would be affected by it; (2) Two news reports about several people with no native blood seeking to register with the Kau Inoa racial registry (expected to be membership roll for Akaka tribe), including Thurston Twigg-Smith (5th generation Hawaii citizen), and Earl Arakaki (lead plaintiff in several lawsuits against race-based programs).

August 5: Letter says the public needs to be educated about the Akaka bill before any vote should be taken.

August 7-8: (1) Lawsuit by native Hawaiians with more than 50% native blood quantum, against OHA, has been revived by a decision of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The lawsuit claims that it is illegal for OHA to spend any ceded lands revenue on low-quantum ethnic Hawaiians. In particular, it would be illegal for OHA to spend ceded lands money lobbying for the Akaka bill, supporting the Kau Inoa program, etc. Plaintiffs complain the Akaka bill would empower a low-quantum majority of ethnic Hawaiians to form a government that would seize control of land and money resources that should belong exclusively to high-quantum natives; (2) Hartford Connecticut newspaper editorial says Congress should stop giving federal recognition to Indian tribes because that process is best managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

August 16: Honolulu Advertiser reports on civil rights committee hearings scheduled for August and September in Hawaii, and controversy over the timing of the hearings.

August 17: (1) Commentary opposing Akaka bill by Lyle Beckwith, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS);
(2) Testimony of Roger Clegg, President and General Counsel, Center for Equal Opportunity, for the upcoming civil rights committee hearing (He will be the featured speaker opposed to the Akaka bill, debating against Attorney General Mark Bennett);
(3) Ken Conklin's testimony (very lengthy) is available in a webpage at
http://www.angelfire.com/planet/big60/AkakaConklinHACtestimony081707.html
(4) Hilo newspaper reports on upcoming hearing and provides background about the controversy surrounding the reconstituted civil rights committee.

August 19: (1) Honolulu Star-Bulletin news report once again notes controversy over new members of civil rights committee; (2) Honolulu Advertiser editorial once again expresses concern over civil rights committee having some members who oppose Akaka bill; (3) Advertiser publishes summary of hour-long internet discussion about Akaka bill and Kau Inoa with OHA Administrator Clyde Namu'o, thereby providing yet another propaganda piece about the Akaka bill. It was interesting how many questions Namu'o dodged; (4) Letter by Richard Rowland (President of Grassroot Institute) challenges claims made in a July 29 letter by Eric Po'ohina asserting "indigenous" rights

August 21: (1) Honolulu Advertiser report on yesterday's civil rights committee hearing on Akaka bill focuses on process, and admits that the old committee strongly favored the Akaka bill while any vote by the new committee is likely to be close; (2) Honolulu Star-Bulletin "news report" on civil rights comittee says absolutely nothing about yesterday's hearing, but instead repeats old news that the entire Hawaii Congressional delegation protests the composition of the committee; (3) Letter quotes Congressman Abercrombie saying the Akaka bill is really about land and money (not merely recognition as an indigenous people).

August 22: (1) TV news report from August 21 focused entirely on repeating OHA propaganda that the civil rights committee is "stacked" against Akaka bill. BUT the TV station's own poll results as of August 22 morning showed that 65% of more than 900 respondents oppose Akaka bill. (2) Honolulu Star-Bulletin angry editorial once again repeats OHA propaganda that the civil rights committee is stacked, and includes vicious personal attack against the distinguished former Attorney General who chairs the committee.

August 23: (1) Governor Lingle, speaking to the annual convention of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, promised to support the Akaka bill regardless what the civil rights committee does; (2) Senator Akaka, speaking to a joint convention of the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, says he has asked Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to schedule the Akaka bill for floor action, but some ethnic Hawaiian leaders express unhappiness with the delays.

August 24: Hawaii Reporter complains that OHA still refuses to disclose how much government money it has spent on the Akaka bill, and wonders how much more intransigent an Akaka tribe would be.

August 26: Honolulu Advertiser publishes excerpted versions of statements on the Akaka bill made August 20 to the civil rights committee by Robert Bennett and Roger Clegg, including links to their full testimony.

August 27: Honolulu Advertiser devoted its weekly one-hour real-time discussion board "Hot Seat" to the Akaka bill and the newly reconstituted civil rights committee. On the "Hot seat" was attorney H. William Burgess, responding to questions. There were so many questions and personal attacks that he was overwhelmed at the beginning; but over the course of several hours he responded to the most important questions. There were 124 entries, some fairly lengthy. The Advertiser will publish a summary on Sunday September 2. The full record is available at:
http://blogs.honoluluadvertiser.com/index.php?blog=19&title=now_on_the_hot_seat_h_william_burgess_of&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

August 29: (1) Honolulu Advertiser leftwing columnist Dave Shapiro launches yet another column calling the civil rights committee "stacked" and concludes "The appropriate response is to ignore the hearings and any findings that come from them."; (2) Midweek (Oahu) leftwing columnist Dan Boylan says "GOP Insults Hawaii’s Host Culture" by blocking Akaka bill and stacking the civil rights committee, and Republican Governor Lingle is not to blame but is "running with the wrong crowd."

August 31: Testimony on the Akaka bill for the civil rights committee, by Barb Lindsay, National Director and Spokesperson, One Nation United

September 1: Monthly OHA newspaper for September includes a letter to editor from Thurston Twigg-Smith explaining why all citizens of Hawaii have a right to participate in decisions affecting Hawaii's future; and an editorial by trustee Boyd Mossman explaining why the Akaka bill is essential for ethnic Hawaiians.

September 2: (1) Spoof e-mail/cartoon from OHA to Governor Lingle thanking her for supporting racial separatism and for keeping genuine Republican views suppressed; (2) "Belief in equal protection not divisive" -- Advertiser publishes edited transcript of Aloha For All head H. William Burgess hour-long "Hot Seat" online Q&A event of August 27.

September 3: (1) Hawaii Reporter publishes a 4-minute movie (also on YouTube) reminding us there was no celebration of the official Statehood Day holiday; (2) Hawaii Reporter publishes press release by consortium of large ethnic Hawaiian institutions who favor the Akaka bill and who sponsored a huge celebration of Queen Lili'uokalani's birthday yesterday -- a thinly disguised racial solidarity and secessionist event; (3) Photo album with 290 photos from yesterday's Palace event.

September 4: Advertiser commentary by a group of 5 law school students specializing in Indian law says there's no way to predict what will happen if the Akaka bill passes, because each tribe has unique jurisdictional and tax arrangements with federal and state governments.

September 5: (1) Honolulu Advertiser reports poll by SMS research, paid for by OHA, shows most Hawaii residents favor Akaka bill; (2) Advertiser editorial says Congress should straighten out the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, whose individual state panels throughout America have been targeting affirmative action programs. (3) TV news evening report describes the OHA poll, views of opponents, and what happened at civil rights committee hearing. (4) The civil rights committee heard testimony from 5 invited witnesses -- The complete testimony of Jere Krischel for Grassroot Institute and of Haunani Apoliona, Boyd Mossman, and Robert Klein for OHA, are provided on this website; another speaker was Dr. Kekuni Blaisdell testifying for the secessionist movement but his testimony is not yet available.

September 7: (1) Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial notes that an important question in the OHA Akaka bill poll got only 51% support for creating an ethnic Hawaiian government, and this issue needs further scrutiny because the OHA poll failed to make clear that this is the primary outcome of the bill; (2) Letter to editor by Sandra Puanani Burgess (wife of civil rights committee member) deplores personal attacks on members, and says "The Hawaii Advisory Committee members should not bow to the bullying tactics of this newspaper or Hawaiian separatist organizations, but rather adhere to the important task before them: ensuring that every citizen has equal protection under the law."

September 8: Two letters in Honolulu Advertiser say (1) The general population of Hawaii has no business butting in on ethnic Hawaiians' process of self-determination, such as by participating in Kau Inoa or demanding a vote on the Akaka bill; (2) In the civil rights committee hearings, Roger "Clegg says the Akaka bill would be divisive. No. Sham hearings and bogus issues are divisive."

September 9: OHA Chair Haunani Apoliona commentary trumpets results of poll paid for by OHA and says consequences of Akaka bill cannot be predicted because it all depends on what the Akaka tribe decides to do.

September 11: Stephen Aghjayan, testimony to civil rights committee describes his many years of residence on the Swinomish tribal reservation in the State of Washington.

September 12: 2 letters: (1) Should we see Hawaii's people "sharing a common and glorious future together as equals, or See in their separate pasts a justification for assigning them to separate groups that claim different rights and privileges?"; (2) Ethnic Hawaiians deserve same rights as Native Americans, and amending the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1921 is better way to do that than Akaka bill.

September 13: Controversy over civil rights committee visit from national commissioner Michael Yaki on September 5, who was disrespectful to an invited speaker and who appeared on an OHA-sponsored radio program

September 16: Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial says United Nations approval of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is idealistic but will have very little practical effect worldwide and will be of no help in passing the Akaka bill

September 17: (1) Richard Rowland, President of Grassroot Institute, says intentional vagueness of Akaka bill's consequences makes it a bad idea to pass it; (2) Mayor of the Village of Hobart Wisconsin writes to Congressmember Kagan to oppose Akaka bill as bad for his village.

September 19: Hawaii Reporter publishes testimony by Richard Rowland, president of Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, regarding the Akaka bill, previously delivered to the civil rights committee.

October 1: OHA trustee Boyd Mossman, editorial in OHA monthly newspaper, says support for Akaka bill is the mainstream position in Hawaii.

October 4: Arlan D. Melendez is chairman of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony in Nevada and a commissioner on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. His article published in "Indian Country Today" says the U.S. Commission on Civil Rigts needs to come to the defense of the sovereignty rights of Indian tribes nationwide, and the Akaka bill is an important element in that larger picture.

October 16: The Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs is having its annual national convention in Anchorage Alaska because the Alaska Federation of Natives supports the Akaka bill and because ethnic Hawaiians want to learn strategies for achieving sovereignty from Native Alaskans

October 17: "The Cherokee Freedmen, Native American Blood Quantum and the Akaka Bill"

INDEX OF NEWS REPORTS AND COMMENTARY FOR HISTORY OF AKAKA BILL FROM OCTOBER 18, 2007 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2007. Rumble in the U.S. House: History of the Akaka bill H.R.505, from October 18, 2007 through October 31, 2007. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSES AKAKA BILL H.R. 505 BY VOTE OF 261-153. President Bush formal statement opposing and threatening veto. House Republican Study Committee statement opposing. Full text of floor debate from Congressional Record; and yeas and nays from House Clerk on 4 roll-call votes. Followup news reports and commentary.

** ON THURSDAY OCTOBER 18, 2007 THE U.S. HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES SENT TO THE FULL HOUSE ITS REPORT ON THE AKAKA BILL H.R.505. IN ADDITION, THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD INCLUDED AN ENTRY ANNOUNCING THAT THE AKAKA BILL WILL COME TO THE HOUSE FLOOR FOR ACTION ON WEDNESDAY OR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24 OR 25.

** ON FRIDAY OCTOBER 19 THE HOUSE REPUBLICAN WHIP REPORT FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK INDICATED THAT THE AKAKA BILL WILL COME UP IN THE MIDDLE OF A GROUP OF NON-CONTROVERSIAL BILLS UNDER SUSPENSION OF THE RULES SOMETIME WEDNESDAY OR THURSDAY. Placing the Akaka bill on the calendar of non-controversial bills under suspension of the rules is the same stealth tactic that was successful in getting the bill passed in the House in September 2000, and resulted in the House Judiciary Committee taking action against the bill in 2001 to prevent that from happening again, and also in 2005.

October 20: An op-ed in the Wall Street Journal says "The costs to U.S. society of the aberration of a sovereign Indian "nation" within our borders are neither justified nor sustainable." in the context of discussing the inability of injured individuals to sue an Indian tribe due to sovereign immunity.

Sunday October 21: Article by H. William Burgess: "Akaka Bill Set for a Vote in the U.S. House This Week"

***** MONDAY OCTOBER 22: PRESIDENT BUSH ISSUES NEW FORMAL STATEMENT STRONGLY OPPOSING AKAKA BILL INCLUDING THREAT TO VETO IT IF IT REACHES HIS DESK. STATEMENT ON OFFICIAL STATIONERY AS SENT TO HOUSE RULES COMMITTEE. NEWS REPORTS TRY TO SPIN IT -- International Herald Tribune, Alaska TV station, Honolulu Advertiser, all relying on Associated Press.

October 23: (1) National Review online, Roger Clegg article "House To Vote Tomorrow on Akaka Bill"; (2) Washington Times "Native Hawaiians' status set for vote" lengthy article describes the bill in the way OHA likes to characterize it and says bill likely to pass the House but perhaps not with the 2/3 vote needed to override a veto; (3) Honolulu Advertiser reports Akaka bill will come to the House floor on Wednesday for debate and perhaps a vote; (4) Honolulu Advertiser editorial says "If the bill does come to the House floor tomorrow, as scheduled, Hawai'i delegates need to make the case for the bill as forcefully as possible. The object will be to secure bipartisan support for the measure, in part to counter the White House statement. ... If the bill does emerge intact from the Senate, where it faces far longer odds, it's essential that the president sees it has broad support in both houses; he may then be less likely to bother with a veto, which would be tough to override."; (5) Honolulu Star-Bulletin republished Associated Press story published yesterday in Advertiser breaking news; (6) Grassroot Institute President Richard Rowland quotes OHA newspaper ad for Akaka bill and asks questions about what it says.; (7) James Growney (Native Hawaiian) opposes Akaka bill and calls for an environmental impact statement on it comparable to the one being demanded for the Superferry.

October 24 early morning: (1) House Republican Study Committee strongly opposes Akaka bill -- official statement available as 10-page pdf on colorful letterhead stationery and also as simple text; (2) Peter Kirsanow, member of U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, in National Review online "Multicultural Racism -- The insidiousness of Hawaiian separatism"; (3) National Review editorial opposes Akaka bill; (4) The American Chronicle Eagle Forum opposes Akaka bill

** SETTING THE STAGE FOR THE U.S. HOUSE FLOOR DEBATE ON WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 24 (Rules committee sets procedural rules for debating and amending the Akaka bill; summary of proposed amendment)

** OCTOBER 24: U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FLOOR DEBATE -- -- Akaka bill passes 261-153 after failed attempt to amend it and/or send it back to the Resources committee. TRANSCRIPT OF FLOOR DEBATE TAKEN FROM THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. Also, a summary includes breaking news reports, and the record of the YEAS and NAYS on each of four roll call votes.

** October 24: News reports and commentaries after the House passed the Akaka bill. (1) Men's News Daily "Racial Division, Hawaiian Style" "Members of the Project 21 black leadership network say the legislation directly conflicts with the spirit of inclusion and equality that civil rights activists fought so hard to create. It is contemptibly dishonest, not to mention completely disingenuous, for the very politicians who are best known for decrying racial division to eagerly push legislation to institutionalize race as the guiding principle for a body of government within our United States"; (2) Time Magazine "Native Hawaiians should regain some of the self-governance powers lost when the islands' queen was overthrown more than a century ago, the House decided Wednesday."; (3) NASDAQ News "House Votes To Give Native Hawaiians Self-Governance Powers"; (4) KITV 4 television news; (5) Grassroot Institute of Hawaii President Richard Rowland notes that those pushing the Akaka bill refuse to describe its consequences and will never be held accountable for them.

October 25: (1) Honolulu Advertiser reports House passage of Akaka bill, some local reaction, and a timeline of the bill from 2000 to 2007; (2) Honolulu Star-Bulletin reports passage of the bill and comment from 4 members of local civil rights committee who favor the bill; (3) Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial says opposition to Akaka bill by Republicans, and especially President Bush, makes it advisable to wait until the next President is elected, and in the meantime continue to attach racial entitlements to noncontroversial bills (as has been done for many years); (4) Barb Lindsay, national Director of One Nation United, article "Coming Together to Avoid Coming Apart" to call attention "that there are living descendants of indigenous people now residing in every state. They will surely take notice and demand their own self-governing "tribal" governments, too."; (5) Retired Arizona sheriff explains "Why The Akaka Bill Stinks"; (6) Knoxville (TN) Metro Pulse newspaper columnist writes "One Nation...Indivisible -- Scrap the Hawaiian Nation idea"

October 26: (1) Honolulu Star-Bulletin cartoonist "Corky" shows President Bush riding a huge elephant whose foot is raised ready to stomp the Akaka bill while Bush says "Ahh, the Akaka bill, come in ... closer ... closer ..."; (2) Indian Country Today columnist says historical differences between "Native Hawaiians" and the Indian tribes are no more substantial than differences among the tribes themselves, and also discusses Rep. Flake's proposed amendment to require compliance with the 14th Amendment

October 27: Mike Graham, citizen of the Oklahoma Cherokee Nation, article in American Chronicle, calls on "President Bush Reinstate Native Hawaiian Government Now", arguing that America owes it to Native Hawaiians.

Sunday October 28: The Molokai Times reports passage of Akaka bill with emphasis on House floor speech by Mazie Hirono, Member of Congress representing this island.

October 30: Kansas City newspaper republishes part of Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial from October 25.

END OF INDEX OF NEWS REPORTS AND COMMENTARY FOR HISTORY OF AKAKA BILL FROM OCTOBER 18, 2007 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2007. Rumble in the U.S. House: History of the Akaka bill H.R.505, from October 18, 2007 through October 31, 2007. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSES AKAKA BILL H.R. 505 BY VOTE OF 261-153. President Bush formal statement opposing and threatening veto. House Republican Study Committee statement opposing. Full text of floor debate from Congressional Record; and yeas and nays from House Clerk on 4 roll-call votes. Followup news reports and commentary.

INDEX OF NEWS REPORTS AND COMMENTARY FOR HISTORY OF AKAKA BILL DURING NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER, 2007. Local civil rights committee continues to be trashed by OHA and Akaka bill supporters; committee votes 8-6 not to make any recommendation to national commission. Nationally syndicated columnist George Will (Washington Post) publishes lengthy commentary trashing Akaka bill, and Hawaii newspapers and politicians trash George Will in return.

November 1: (1) The Washington Times publishes 600-word commentary by Senator Akaka and Rep. Neil Abercrombie "Native Hawaiians, proud citizens"; (2-5) Four items from the November issue of the OHA monthly newspaper are of interest regarding the Akaka bill: (2) Letter by Michael Lilly, chair of the Hawaii Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, responds to scathing attacks against him by OHA -- Lilly takes note his ancestors came to Hawaii 170 years ago and some were Kingdom subjects who were Royalists during the events of the 1890s; (3) Letter by Roger Clegg, chief counsel of the Center for Equal Opportunity, defends his testimony to the civil rights committee and protests the viciousness of Trustee Rowena Akana's personal attacks in her editorial in the October issue; (4) Trustee Akana's new editorial cites statistics from recent OHA poll on Akaka bill, and says "However, anti-Akaka Bill groups like the Grassroot Institute of Hawai‘i (with a membership of a handful of people) and some of the members of the newly formed Hawai‘i Civil Rights Advisory Committee are trying to re-write our Hawaiian history. Like other racist groups who say the Holocaust never happened, the Grassroots Institute would not be happy until Native Hawaiians no longer exist or are driven out from our ‘äina."; (5) Trustee Mossman editorial notes OHA investments and says without the Akaka bill they could be wiped out (i.e., reverted to the State treasury).

November 4: Honolulu Advertiser publishes side-by-side essays (1) in favor of and the Akaka bill written by Amy Agbayani and Linda Colburn who are members of the civil rights committee, and (2) against the Akaka bill written by H. William Burgess who is a member of the civil rights committee.

November 5: Letter in The Washington Times by Roger Clegg (Center for Equal Opportunity), entitled "Back To Jim Crow?" replying to the Akaka/Abercrombie commentary of November 1.

November 8: Tom MacDonald, one of the new members of the civil rights committee, points out how outrageously the old committee was stacked in favor of the Akaka bill and secession.

November 11: (1) Commentary in the Molokai Times newspaper says "Hawaiian Sovereignty Bill is right for America" [response on November 21]; (2) Popular entertainer's letter in Star-Bulletin says Bush calling Akaka bill divisive is absurd in view of divisiveness Bush caused by starting Iraq war, and letter also says Bush threat to veto Akaka bill might be retaliation for anti-Bush demonstrations when he was in Hawaii a couple years previously.

November 13: OHA suddenly publishes a slick 67-page document attempting to smear the Hawaii Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights just 2 days prior to a long-scheduled public meeting of the committee. The OHA document also tried to twist history to support the Akaka bill and to discredit the previous testimony of the bill's opponents before the committee

November 14: Civil rights activists publish a webpage responding to the 67-page OHA document only one day after it was issued, and one day before the committee meeting.

November 16: (1) Honolulu Advertiser reports on the local civil rights committee meeting of Nov. 15 at which the vote was 8-6 NOT to make any recommendation on the Akaka bill to the national committee; (2) West Hawaii Today (Kona; Stephens Media) provides additional details about civil rights committee meeting; (3) Honolulu Advertiser prints commentary by Michael Moodian favoring the Akaka bill, vitrually identical to the one published in The Molokai Times on November 11.

November 17: One day after everybody else, Honolulu Star-Bulletin finally reports the news about the civil rights committee; but also tells how each member voted.

November 20: Letter responding to Tom Macdonald's letter of November 8 is published by Dave Forman who succeeded Charles Maxwell as chairman of the civil rights committee.

November 21: (1) Ken Conklin responds to Michael Moodian's article in the Molokai Times: "Akaka bill bad for everyone"; (2) H. William Burgess, head of Aloha For All, circulates an e-mail saying "Representative Steve Kagen MD, Member of Congress from Wisconsin, recently wrote to one of his constituents "setting the record straight" on why he voted for the Akaka bill. In doing so, the good Congressman shows that he has been misled by the fraudulent sales pitch used by the bill’s promoters." Point/counterpoint rebuttal.

November 23: Michael A. Lilly, Chairman of the local civil rights committee, says that even though the committee voted not to make any recommendation regarding the Akaka bill, the recent series of hearings helped educate the public about the issues.

November 25: Two members of local civil rights committee published a letter saying that the vote to set aside further discussion of the Akaka bill was not an endorsement of the previous committee's support for the bill, as a news report in the same newspaper had claimed. But the offending Star-Bulletin newspaper (which strongly supports the Akaka bill) offended again by writing a headline for this letter which twisted its meaning in the opposite direction!

November 27: 2 letters in Honolulu Advertiser: Richard Rowland, President of Grassroot Institute, says his mission is to be sure the public gets full disclosure on the Akaka bill to make well-informed decision; Su Yates says civil rights committee made wise decision to make no recommendation on Akaka bill, because Akaka bill is about real indigenous rights and not imagined civil rights violations the bill might lead to.

November 29: (1) George Will, nationally syndicated columnist, publishes major commentary opposing the Akaka bill in the Washington Post reprinted in many newspapers throughout America, with numerous public comments on the Washington Post article comment blog; (2) A national convention on tribal education was held in Honolulu and attended by hundreds of tribal members at great expense, and the financial information is being kept secret just as will happen with the Akaka tribe is the Akaka bill passes

November 30: (1) Honolulu Advertiser does not reprint George Will's article, but does publish a "news report" containing a few quotes and reporting outraged reaction from Senator Akaka and other bill supporters.

December 2: (1) Honolulu Advertiser editorial trashes George Will for trashing the Akaka bill; (2) Honolulu Star-Bulletin published a lengthy commentary by Senator Akaka and Representative Abercrombie trashing George Will; (3) Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial trashes George Will

December 3: Maui newspaper fails to print George Will's commentary, but editorial trashes it nevertheless.

December 4: (1) Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, strongly opposes Akaka bill; (2) Letter in Honolulu Advertiser points out that Advertiser editorial trashing George Will did not provide substantive arguments to rebut him.

December 6: Letter in Hilo newspaper says Senator Akaka claims Hawaii's people support the Akaka bill, but he has never offered to prove it by requesting a ballot referendum.

December 7: (1) Elaine Willman rebuttal to Oz Stender diatribe about Small Business Hawaii debate on Akaka bill; (2) Sam Slom, state Senator and President of Small Business Hawaii rebuttal to Oz Stender; (3) David Rosen complains Honolulu Star-Bulletin refuses to allow honest debate about Akaka bill and engages in ad hominem attacks; (4) letter says ancestral occupancy of land should not guarantee special rights over more recent arrivals; (5) The Maui News city editor tries to analyze controversial George Will commentary in terms of historical movement from monarchy to democracy, vs. indigenous rights and what was good for ethic Hawaiians; (6) Letter to Kona newspaper complains the George Will commentary should not have been published

December 9: (1) Senator Akaka and Rep. Abercrombie publish letter in rebuttal to George Will, in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review; (2) Letter in Honolulu Advertiser rebuts the Advertiser editorial of December 2 that had trashed George Will; (3) Daniel P. de Gracia II, a political scientist specializing in international relations and also a pastor, writes a lengthy and passionate commentary opposing the Akaka bill, entitled: "It's Time We Started Recognizing The United States of America In Hawaii"

December 10: (1) 3 letters in The New York Post responding to George Will's commentary; (2) Jimmy Kuroiwa (member of civil rights committee) says "George Will is correct about the Akaka Bill."

December 13: (1) Thurston Twigg-Smith, grandson of a leader of the Hawaii revolution of 1893, points out that the people of the Republic of Hawaii accepted the revolution just as, a century previously, Hawai'i's people had accepted Kamehameha's conquests. Twigg-Smith ends with "How about demanding that the Akaka Bill should allow for a vote by the governed on this proposed new form of government?"; (2) Richard Rowland, President of Grassroot Institute, criticized Star-Bulletin editorial that criticized George Will. "You owe Hawaii's public more thoughtful analysis."

December 14: Indigenous Australian approves of pro-Akaka Bill opinion expressed by Maui News in editorial criticizing George Will's article

December 16: H. William Burgess replies in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review to a letter from Senator Akaka which had attempted to rebut the article by George Will.

December 18: Haunani Apoliona, OHA chair, gave the annual "State of OHA" speech in which she described OHA's accomplishments AND PLANS TO BUILD A RACIAL SEPARATIST "NATION OF HAWAII" REGARDLESS WHETHER THE AKAKA BILL PASSES OR NOT. Three newspapers reported the speech in various ways: (1) Honolulu Advertiser, (2) Honolulu Star-Bulletin, (3) The Garden Island News (Kaua'i); (4) Full text of Apoliona speech as published in both the OHA website and in Hawaii Reporter

December 23: Letter in The Maui News points out that many "Hawaiian nationals" oppose the Akaka bill including both ethnic Hawaiians and others.

December 27: Editorial commentary in The Wall Street Journal notes that the omnibus appropriations bill just signed by President Bush includes a budget cut for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Commentary says Democrat majority cut the budget because it does not like the USCCR positions opposing the Akaka bill and opposing affirmative action in law school admissions.

December 30: Honolulu Advertiser year-end wrap-up of achievements of Hawaii Congressional delegation says "The past legislative year mixed victories and setbacks for Hawai'i's delegation, from approval of more than $1 billion in federal spending for the state to continued deadlock on the Native Hawaiian government bill."

END OF INDEX OF NEWS REPORTS AND COMMENTARY FOR HISTORY OF AKAKA BILL DURING NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER, 2007. Local civil rights committee continues to be trashed by OHA and Akaka bill supporters; committee votes 8-6 not to make any recommendation to national commission. Nationally syndicated columnist George Will (Washington Post) publishes lengthy commentary trashing Akaka bill, and Hawaii newspapers and politicians trash George Will in return.

January 1: Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial describes important issues for 2008, mentioning the Akaka bill only at the end.

January 2: (1) Honolulu Star-Bulletin cartoon shows a forlorn and tattered Senator Akaka waiting on a bench by Senate door, remarking that another year has gone by with no Akaka bill. Cartoon is similar to one published a year ago; (2) Honolulu Advertiser analysis of local political party Presidential caucuses says a major focus will be to place the Akaka bill onto the platforms adopted by the national party conventions.; (3) San Francisco Chronicle publishes story about Hawaiian cultural events in San Francisco which pushes the Akaka bill and especially the Kau Inoa racial registry.

January 11: Ken Conklin says the most important issue facing the Hawaii legislature for 2008 is racial separatism; 6 specific topics are identified.

January 13: As Congress returns from vacation, unfinished business is for the Senate to pass the Akaka bill already passed by the House.

January 16: Dick Rowland, President of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, notes the divisiveness and jurisdictional conflicts the Akaka bill would spawn, and then asks readers to sign an internet petition demanding the Hawaii legislature "let us vote" on whether we want Congress to pass the bill.

January 18: Oswald Stender, former Bishop Estate (Kamehameha Schools) trustee and current OHA trustee, describes his poor, downtrodden childhood and the history of oppression of native Hawaiians, and then tells why the Akaka bill should be passed. ** Reply by Tom Macdonald on January 22

January 19: Commentary by Garry Smith: "Millions More Taxpayer Dollars to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs -- When is Enough, Enough?"

January 20: Professor Jon Van Dyke says the proposed $200 Million transfer of assets is "A fair and just settlement for unpaid ceded lands revenues" and also supports the Akaka bill.

January 21: Honolulu Advertiser editorial praises the proposed ceded lands "settlement" and says "This deal also suits OHA's aims to build a land base in anticipation that federal recognition legislation will give Native Hawaiians a measure of sovereignty they've been seeking."

January 21 and 22 and 23: Newspaper online blog, and then TV station and then newspaper print editions all report that Senator Obama, while on the campaign trail in Florida, has re-stated his support for the Akaka bill. But the TV station report erroneously says Senator Edwards had supported the bill in a speech on the House floor in 2007 (that was Kucinich, not Edwards), and the Star-Bulletin print article distorts Senator McCain's record of opposition to the Akaka bill.

January 22: Tom Macdonald, a member of the Hawaii Advisory Committe to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, responds to OHA trustee Oswald Stender's article. Macdonald says "Akaka Bill is About Power and Money, Not Helping Hawaiians."

January 24: (1) Kunani Nihipali writes "After spending nearly seven years and more than $3 million of beneficiary/taxpayer money to get people to support the Akaka Bill, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has begun to accept the inevitable, the bill's demise" which explains why OHA now seeks to acquire property and make global settlements with the state government.; (2) Arthur Lemay, a retired informatics executive and management consultant, says it's too bad Senator Obama favors the Akaka bill because it is unfair and un-American.

January 25: A new webpage was created to compile a series of highly controversial political cartoons ridiculing the Kau Inoa racial registry, and the commentaries they spawned pro and con. The cartoons were published on a blog named "Zero Shibai" and reprinted in the online newspaper Hawaii Reporter. The cartoons drew a written protest from OHA chair Haunani Apoliona, and her protest stimulated both serious and sarcastic responses. See: "Bovine Flatulence -- Zero Shibai blog Kau Inoa cartoons (Overthrow victim, Kau Manua, Cow Inoa) cause OHA chair Haunani Apoliona to have a cow." at
http://www.angelfire.com/planet/big60/ZeroShibaiKauInoa.html

January 30: Jerry Coffee major article opposes Akaka bill, describing jurisdictional disputes between communities and Indian tribes on the mainland, and pointing out that Akaka bill supporters say they want parity with the Indian tribes.

January 31: Ken Conklin letter to editor opposes ceded lands settlement proposed by Governor Lingle and OHA, pointing out that it's a bad idea for the state to give away land and money even before the negotiations called for in the Akaka bill have begun.

February 1: Two newspaper articles and one TV news report that Hawaii state Supreme Court rules that the state cannot sell ceded lands until the question is resolved whether ethnic Hawaiians or OHA own the ceded lands or are entitled to compensation for them. All media also report that passing the Akaka bill would allow ethnic Hawaiians to have a recognized governing entity make a settlement with the state.

February 2: Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial urges passage of Akaka bill is urgent to begin implementing the ramifications of the 1993 apology resolution. First sentence falsely implies OHA already owns the ceded lands, by saying "The state Supreme Court has ruled that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs can't be forced to sell ceded lands while political questions remain." [Nobody has ever tried to force OHA to sell any ceded lands]

February 3: (1) Honolulu Advertiser editorial says the state Supreme Court decision to prohibit the sale of ceded lands reminds us that Hawaii cannot forever neglect the claims of Native Hawaiians, and the Akaka bill will help establish a recognized Native Hawaiian entity capable of resolving those claims; (2) Commentary by Kekuni Blaisdell says the proposed settlement between OHA and Governor Lingle should be rejected because neither the Governor nor OHA have any rightful jurisdiction in Hawaii, since Hawaii is under continuing belligerent occupation by the U.S.A and only the descendants of Hawaiian Kingdom subjects can rightfully decide Hawaii's future.

February 5: Jon Osorio, Chair of the Center for Hawaiian Studies at University of Hawaii, responds to Honolulu Advertiser editorial by saying the U.S. apology resolution of 1993 shows that "Neither the state nor the United States has legal title or moral claim to the ceded lands" nor any right to impose the Akaka bill on ethnic Hawaiians.

February 6: (1) Jerry Burris, columnist for the Honolulu Advertiser, writes that the Hawaii Supreme Court decision prohibiting selling ceded lands was based on the apology resolution, thus showing that the apology resolution has legal force; (2) Dr.John Corboy notes that the Akaka bill is based on the apology resolution, which is filled with errors.

February 7: (1) H. William Burgess writes a letter to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights "Akaka Bill Would Set Precedent for Break Up of Every State in the Nation" citing his in-person invited testimony before the U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee; (2) Kenneth R. Conklin article in Hawaii Reporter reprints his testimony to a hearing in the Hawaii state Legislature regarding a ceded lands settlement, describing the "big picture" of how that settlement fits with the Akaka bill to advance the Evil Empire; (3) Secessionist letter to Star-Bulletin says the ceded lands can be settled not through the Akaka bill but by restoring Hawaii as an independent nation; (4) Secessionist article in Hawaii Reporter says state Supreme Court decision on ceded lands citing the apology resolution shows the Hawaiian Kingdom still lives; (5) Anonymous economist who moved to Hawaii in 2006 analyzes the rationale for the Akaka bill, and its likely consequences if enacted.

February 8: (1) Tom Macdonald cites the ceded lands proposed settlement to show that the Akaka bill is all about getting lands transferred from the state to a racial group; (2) Dick Rowland, President of Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, asks people to sign a petition demanding a vote on the Akaka bill by the people of Hawaii before Congress votes on it.

February 14: TV and print media in Hawaii report that Hillary Clinton, candidate for President, reaffirmed her support for the Akaka bill during her campaign for Hawaii delegates to the Democrat National Convention.

February 15: "Indian Country Today" commentary provides a very skewed view of Hawaii history concluding that the statehood act of 1959 effectively terminated the federal trust relationship with Native Hawaiians and something like the Akaka bill is needed to reinstate that trust relationship.

February 28: "Broken Rainbow: Hawaii's Racial Separatism Threatens America's Fundamental Principles" explains how the Akaka bill, designed to protect a huge number of otherwise illegal racially exclusionary institutions, would subvert the U.S. Constitution and lead to thousands of fake new Indian tribes.

March 14: Article in "Indian Country Today" says the Indian Apology Resolution might have difficulty passing for the same reason as the Akaka bill -- because "many lawmakers are concerned that once an apology is approved, the other shoe will fall in the form of demands for reparations."

March 22: Andrew Walden article links the Akaka bill and Hawaiian apology resolution with the Indian apology resolution now pending in Congress, and describes how local politicians have a corrupt bargain to support Obama for President in return for Obama's support for Akaka bill.

March 24: Michael Barone, senior editor, writes a short article in his U.S. News and World Report blog opposing the Akaka bill and citing Andrew Walden's article.

April 1: THE HILL [Washington D.C. newspaper focusing on Congress] says passing the Akaka bill depends on freshman Democrat Senators; and the attempt will probably be made before Memorial Day.

April 3: Paul Jacob, of the Grassroot Institute, points out that Hawaii was the last state to join the union, but under Kamehameha III (in 1839) was the first to support equality for all regardless of race (26 years before the U.S. abolished slavery).

April 5: Honolulu Advertiser quotes spokesman for Senate Democrat leader Harry Reid saying the Akaka bill will be brought to the Senate floor sometime later this year. Advertiser speculates the votes are there to overcome a filibuster.

April 9: (1) Jon Van Dyke (highly paid mouthpiece for OHA) scheduled to give a seminar on the Akaka bill, tickets $25, sponsored by Japanese Chamber of Commerce; (2) Honolulu Advertiser columnist Dave Shapiro says it's unwise to push Akaka bill in Senate this year because President Bush will veto it, and Shapiro says Republicans are "anti-Hawaiian" for opposing this race-based bill.

April 11: A Hawaii Reporter article, drawing on "The Hill" article, says Democrat Senators Webb (VA), Brown (OH), and Casey (PA) might be the swing votes on the Akaka bill.

April 14: Huge controversy inside Hawaii Republican Party -- The Platform Committee had a co-chair (Bruss Keppeler) who is a major player in the ethnic Hawaiian establishment favoring the Akaka bill and who, it was discovered, has actively supported Democrats against Republicans. A revolt by rank-and-file Republicans seeking to write a platform opposing the Akaka bill was squelched by Governor Lingle's political hacks, who disbanded the Platform Committee and re-adopted the platform from two years previously, to avoid further discussion of the Akaka bill.

April 15 and 16: "Republic of Hawaii Was Recognized Worldwide as the Legitimate Government of These Islands -- Photos of letters of recognition personally signed by 19 foreign rulers in 1894 discredit the apology resolution, undermine the Akaka bill, and confirm that the ceded lands belong to all Hawaii's people without racial distinction." by Kenneth R. Conklin, Ph.D. Published in Hawaii Reporter, The Maui News, and The Garden Island (Kaua'i).

April 16: Andrew Walden notes that a weakening Hawaii Republican Party is fielding very few candidates, partly because party leaders are squelching efforts by young Republicans to reform the party platform on the Akaka bill.

April 27: Letter in Kaua'i newspaper notes that mainstreasm media are starting to reconsider wisdom of Akaka bill. “Maybe Danny didn’t bring it down from Mauna Kea on tablets of stone after all.”

May 1: (1) Capital Research Center devoted its monthly report to a description of Kamehameha Schools' history of racial separatism and financial shenanigans, and how the Akaka bill would help perpetuate those things.; (2) Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial says State of Hawaii had to appeal state supreme court ruling that the state cannot sell ceded lands, but ethnic Hawaiians shouldn't worry about the appeal because passage of the Akaka bill will resolve the matter.; (3) American Renaissance magazine publishes lengthy essay setting Akaka bill in the context of Hawaii's history

May 3: Newsbusters blog: "Media Downplay Hawaii Uprising, Back Hawaiian Apartheid Bill" (discusses "Native Hawaiian Government" takeover of Iolani Palace, feeble response by state and city law enforcement and by news media, and media support for Akaka bill. Many valuable links are included).

May 8: Foundation Watch group notes that the Capital Research Center's analysis of Kamehameha Schools (Bishop estate) explains why that wealthy and powerful charitable trust has a huge stake in getting the Akaka bill passed.

May 12: Brian Darling, director of U.S. Senate Relations at The Heritage Foundation, opposes Akaka bill in article in "Human Events."

May 15: (1) "The Aloha Spirit - What it is, Who Possesses it, and Why it is Important" says "The greatest attack on the Aloha Spirit is the ongoing attempt to divide Hawaii's people by creating a racial separatist government through the Akaka bill."; (2) "Akaka Bill Preview: Tribes Boot Members Keep Loot"

May 16: (1) Two writers for a Washington D.C. think tank rip the Akaka bill: "Senator Akaka’s pro-segregation bill, which would also fan secessionist flames in America’s youngest state, is as foolish and regressive as the racially charged rhetoric of Rev. Wright."; (2) Republican Party of Hawaii convention is expected to have infighting over the Akaka bill and other issues.

May 18: H. William Burgess and Sandra Puanani Burgess essay drawing upon Frederic Bastiat’s classic book "The Law" (1850): "Akaka Bill Pushed by Social Engineers Dividing Hawaii and America: George Will Got it Right"

June 3: Howard B. Hanson, editor of the Resource Sentinel, says the world's richest corporations, plus corrupt organizers like Jack Abramoff, want to invent an Indian tribe in Hawaii.

June 4: Advertiser columnist David Shapiro, a far-leftist who favors "Native Hawaiian rights," says the Kau Inoa racial registry has enrolled relatively few people despite spending several million dollars; and he worries that ethnic Hawaiians are not united enough to identify their goals or get what they want from the state and federal governments.

June 13: (1) Honolulu Advertiser reports that presumptive Democrat Presidential nominee Barrack Obama spoke to a meeting of Asian Pacific Island Americans Vote, and said "As president I will work with Senator Akaka to ensure that this important bill becomes law."; (2) Jere Krischel, Senior Fellow of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, wrote "Akaka Bill Would Wipe Out Over 200 Years of Integration in Hawaii and Replace it With Apartheid."

June 16: Kaleihanamau Johnson open letter to Senator Akaka opposing the Akaka bill. "Rights are Inherent for All People by Virtue of Their Humanity, Not By Virtue of Their Ancestry or Nationality"

June 23: "Lies told on the U.S. Senate Floor by Senators Inouye and Dorgan Regarding the Akaka Bill" [on June 7, 2006 during the debate on the cloture motion]

June 30: OHA pays for Washington D.C. lobbying firm Patton-Boggs to hire Republican former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (who was also chairman if the Indian Affairs Committee) to lobby Republican Senators on the Akaka bill.

July 2 and 4: Ralph Nader, independent candidate for President, campaigns in Hawaii and announces his support for Akaka bill (and also for an eventual plebiscite on secession).

July 9: Peter Kirsanow, member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, article in National Review Online, identifies several leftist so-called "civil rights" bills which a Democrat-controlled Congress will pass in early 2009 and a Democrat President Obama would sign. The bills include reparations to African-Americans for slavery, and the Akaka bill.

July 10: Richard Rowland, President Emeritus of Grassroot Institute, notes that Ward Connerly is seeking support for ballot initiatives to prohibit affirmative action in Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Nebraska just as was done previously in California, Michigan, and Washington; and Rowland opposes the Akaka bill as an extreme form of affirmative action.

July 13: Robert R. Kessler, Co-Chair of LET HONOLULU VOTE, applauds Governor Lingle for supporting a petition to force a ballot vote on rail transit, and notes that her reasons for supporting the petition are the same reasons why she should also support a ballot vote on the Akaka bill.

July 14: Retired judge Paul M. de Silva says the Akaka bill should be passed so that it can then be targeted in a lawsuit and be ruled unconstitutional by a federal appeals court and/or the Supreme Court.

July 21: Wilbert Wong, Sr. says state and county governments should stop spending money for construction on ceded lands, because if the Akaka bill passes then the ceded lands will probably be handed over to the Akaka tribe.

July 23: 3 letters to editor: (1) OHA money spent for Akaka bill is well worth it; (2) OHA is wasting money on Akaka bill that could be used to help needy people and OHA should be audited to see if some expenditures were improper; (3) Praise to Governor Lingle for calling for a vote on rail transit, so now please call for a vote on Akaka bill.

July 27: Major article by Ken Conklin "Obama vs. McCain on the Akaka Bill -- Words, Actions, Hypocrisy and Waffling"

July 28: Sen. Barack Obama, speaking to a gathering of minority journalists yesterday, noted other ethnic groups but did not mention native Hawaiians when answering a question about his thoughts on a formal U.S. apology to American Indians. "I consistently believe that when it comes to whether it's Native Americans or African-American issues or reparations, the most important thing for the U.S. government to do is not just offer words, but offer deeds."

August 14: Star-Bulletin 2 conflicting open letters to Obama (who is in Hawaii on a weeklong vacation) (1) Roy Benham (OHA, Kamehameha Schools) says Obama should support Akaka bill to protect native Hawaiian programs coming under attack; (2) Ken Conklin says Obama should oppose Akaka bill because it contradicts his Berlin speech urging the tearing down of walls that separate races and tribes [editorial note sabotages the Conklin letter and reinforces the Benham letter by saying Conklin opposes Hawaiian sovereignty and has litigated against Hawaiian programs]

August 19: Commentary says the reason some mainland commentators don't recognize Hawaii as a normal part of the U.S. is because of the Akaka bill, the apology resolution, and the numerous secessionist protesters.

August 20: Honolulu Advertiser lengthy article about the 1993 resolution apologizing to ethnic Hawaiians for the overthrow of the monarchy, and its relation to the Akaka bill; and the apology to Japanese-Americans for WW2 internment; and other apologies now working their way through Congress including to American Indians and to African-Americans.

August 22: Stevens media (Kona newspaper) provides text of National Democrat Party platform support for Akaka bill, and reports that REPUBLICAN HAWAII GOVERNOR LINGLE CLAIMS MCCAIN WILL SUPPORT AKAKA BILL.

August 24: Honolulu Advertiser lengthy report on Democrat platform support for Akaka bill, and reactions of supporters and opponents in Hawaii; but says MCCAIN'S OFFICE HAS RELEASED A STATEMENT OPPOSING THE AKAKA BILL.

August 26: Tom MacDonald article in Hawaii Reporter says the Akaka bill is so vague nobody knows what would be the practical consequences if it passes, but we can make reasonable predictions based on Senator Inouye's attempt to use the homeland security legislation as a vehicle for giving Indian tribes authority over everyone (including non-Indians) living on or passing through their lands.

August 27: Both Honolulu newspapers report that the Democrat Party platform includes a plank calling for passage of Akaka bill and for giving additional handouts for ethnic Hawaiian (racially exclusionary) welfare programs.

August 30: Honolulu Star-Buylletin editorial says the Democrat platform plank supporting the Akaka bill might help the bill get passed.

August 31: Hawaiian sovereignty secessionist groups are temporarily postponing a summit where they will try to write a constitution; meantime OHA trustee Mossman is also trying to gather secessionist groups to discuss the Akaka bill and their objections to it.

AUGUST 31: *** IMPORTANT STATEMENT BY JOHN MCCAIN ABOUT AKAKA BILL

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Star-Bulletin submitted several questions to presidential candidates Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Barack Obama, D-Ill. McCain’s replies were returned Aug. 15. The Obama campaign did not respond.

Q: Proponents of the Akaka Bill see the measure as overdue federal recognition of the rights of native Hawaiians to form their own government. Opponents see it as a “Balkanization” of America. Please explain your views on the bill.

A: I recognize the importance of preserving both Hawaii’s indigenous culture and its unique island culture. Hawaii is the most diverse place on earth, and I honor the extraordinary blend of races and cultures that have made the state such a special place. The Akaka Bill would compromise that special blend of peoples and cultures by creating a race-based separate nation that would differentiate treatment for the inhabitants of Hawaii based on blood type. The Hawaiian government has never been a race-based government, as a kingdom, a constitutional monarchy, a republic or a territory. I believe it would be a violation of King Kamehameha’s principles that — “All men are of one blood” — to divide Hawaii and Hawaiian families along racial lines. I believe the Akaka Bill would be bad for the economy of Hawaii, all the people of Hawaii and for indigenous Hawaiians. Dividing people by race inevitably leads to racial discrimination and conflict. I am committed to helping those of every race who need assistance, and deeply committed to federal programs that preserve Hawaiian culture and identity for the benefit of all.

September 2, 2008: (1) Honolulu Advertiser reports that Hawaii Republicans attending the Republican National Convention are refraining from pushing the Akaka bill because they know it's disliked by the party leadership.; (2) Stephens Media reports on the infighting inside the Republican platform committee concerning including "Native Hawaiians" in its adoption of a plank saying "We support efforts to ensure equitable participation in federal programs by Native Americans, including Alaska natives and Native Hawaiians, and to preserve their culture and languages."

September 9: Hawaii TV station reports that Hawaii Democrats, and the Republican Governor, are disappointed by McCain's opposition to the Akaka bill but hope to persuade him to change his mind.

September 12: Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial notes that Republican Vice-Presidential nominee Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska, opposes some aspects of Alaskan Native tribal sovereignty but has not publicly stated any position regarding Hawaiian sovereignty or the Akaka bill.

September 24: Governor Lingle will campaign for McCain in several states, and will serve as surrogate for Vice-Presidential nominee Sarah Palin in connection with the Vice-Presidential debate. Hawaii Democrats oppose Lingle campaigning for McCain and Palin, because McCain and Palin oppose the Akaka bill.

September 30: "American Spectator" major article trashes the Akaka bill. "The Akaka Bill's effects would devastate Hawaii: it would shatter the racial harmony of the most diverse state, and would flout the ideals of the Constitution. It would make a mockery of property rights, both public and private, while laying the groundwork for secession."

October 2: Forbes Magazine reports on the U.S. Supreme Court granting of certiorari regarding the appeal by the state of Hawaii against the Hawaii Supreme Court's (unanimous!) decision that the state cannot sell ceded lands until the (alleged) claims to the ceded lands by ethnic Hawaiians have been resolved. Passage of the Akaka bill would lead to establishment of a tribal government authorized to negotiate a final resolution of claims to the ceded lands.

October 6: Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial about the U.S. Supreme Court decision to accept certiorari on state's appeal of state supreme court decision prohibiting sale of ceded lands. Editorial once again seizes opportunity to push Akaka bill on grounds it would help state achieve reconciliation with ethnic Hawaiians (this time regarding the ceded lands).

October 19: Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial tells voters to vote against holding a state Constitutional Convention. Editorial says major changes can be made without a con-con; for example, the likelihood that the Akaka bill will pass sometime in the next few months under President Obama and a more strongly Democrat Congress.

October 20: Colin Kippen, candidate for OHA trustee running against OHA chair Haunani Apoliona, attacks OHA leadership for using the Kau Inoa racial registry in support of Akaka bill in violation of pledges made to those who sign the registry; and for other reasons.

October 25: Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial criticized Governor Lingle for her campaigning on behalf of the McCain/Palin ticket, and especially for her public assertion that Obama is not really a "local" Hawaii person. Editorial once again notes that Obama supports the Akaka bill while McCain opposes it, so Lingle is out of step with what (the newspaper says) Hawaii wants.

November 3: Article in "The New Yorker" discusses Hawaii's multiracial culture and opposition to the Akaka bill by Andy Blom, who is executive director of McCain's campaign in Hawaii.

November 4 and 5: All incumbents won their elections for trustee of Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Haunani Apoliona, chairperson, reaffirmed her commitment to push for the Akaka bill.

November 5: Letter to editor notes concerns about zoning regulations in Honolulu, and points out that if the Akaka bill passes then the Akaka tribe's sovereignty would allow it to ignore the zoning laws of the neighborhoods where the tribe owns land.

November 7: Ken Conklin publishes major essay in Hawaii Reporter online newspaper describing the likelihood the Akaka bill will be passed and signed into law early in 2009, in view of election results; but offering hope that it might be defeated, and reminding readers that civil rights activists have traditionally used the courts to defend against executive and legislative violations of civil rights.

November 18: "The Hill" (Washington D.D. newspaper dedicated to covering Congress) says "Hawaii stands ready to become the Big Kahuna in Washington" and "The Hawaiian punch in Washington is about to get a lot stronger." because of Senator Inouye's great seniority and power, and the larger Democrat majority.

November 26: Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial says if the Akaka bill passes, that would nullify the forthcoming Supreme Court ruling on the ceded lands case which is expected to say that the apology resolution does NOT prohibit the state from selling ceded lands (and which might go further and declare that government handouts based on race are unconstitutional).

December 1: (1) William Perry Pendley, President and Chief Legal Officer at the Mountain States Legal Foundation, essay in Townhall.com links the apology resolution, Akaka bill, and Supreme Court case on whether the State of Hawaii can sell ceded lands without permission from ethnic Hawaiians; (2) Guest editorial "Tyranny and Evil Exposed" in the OHA monthly newspaper opposes Akaka bill on grounds that Hawaii should be an independent nation

December 3: Webpage "Hawaiian Sovereignty, Zionism, and Governor Lingle" proves that Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle's main motive for supporting the Akaka bill, OHA, race-based entitlements, and Kamehameha Schools' racially exclusionary admissions policy is her strong support for Zionism and her mistaken belief that the Hawaiian sovereignty movement is comparable to the struggle to establish and maintain a Jewish nation of Israel.

December 8: Honolulu Advertiser Washington D.C. reporter says chances of enacting Akaka bill are very favorable in 2009. [This newspaper itself is very favorable to the bill, so has biased its report. But see December 9]

December 9: The Maui News carries an Associated Press report, distributed nationwide, saying that Obama's election and larger Democrat majorities in Congress will make it easier to pass the Akaka bill in 2009; but there will be fierce resistance from Senate Republicans who might actually be able to block the bill with a filibuster.

December 22: Honolulu Advertiser reports "The arrival of a new Democratic administration in Washington, coupled with Democratic control of Congress, has given renewed hope to supporters of federal recognition for native Hawaiians." But Grassroot Institute President Emeritus says Congress will be focused intently on the economic issues, and Democrats won't want to waste their political capital on akaka bill until late 2009.

December 24: Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (D, HI) says the new Democrat President and larger Democrat majorities in Congress make it likely the Akaka bill will pass; but the very large number of newly elected Representatives give her a big job to "educate" them about the bill.

December 29: Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial makes a guess about how many votes there will be in the Senate for cloture on the Akaka bill in 2009, and then concludes the bill's backers should press for early action

December 30: Richard Rowland, founder of Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, short commentary says Akaka bill is going to become law in 2009. It is vague, but one thing for sure -- it will establish a new government in Hawaii, and our people should be allowed to vote on it before it is done without their consent.